It was not long before Bettys became well known in Yorkshire for its excellent service, elegant surroundings and delicate continental cakes.
During the 1920s Bettys expanded, opening a purpose-built bakery to supply new cafés in Bradford and Leeds. These were thriving cities that had flourished through industry and Frederick opened his Tea Rooms in prime locations to attract shoppers and businessmen.
Bettys boasted ‘royal and distinguished patronage’, tempting customers with lavish window displays, live music from violin virtuosos, chic function rooms and catering services much in demand for wedding receptions and private parties.
But by 1937 Frederick had set his sights on a new goal. During the 19th century York had become the confectionery capital of Britain, as the home of Terry’s, Rowntree’s and Craven’s. Frederick decided to join them, somewhat brazenly opening premises directly opposite the long-established Terry’s café in St Helen’s Square.
“I bet if you went into Bettys and asked for a bun they’d send for the police!”
Yorkshire Post, 10th Dec 1932
Hand-coloured menu, c.1925
Featured Article
The RMS Queen Mary
“To Harrogate residents and visitors from far afield “Betty’s” is a household word, standing for all that is dainty, comfortable and fashionable in a café”
Yorkshire Post, 10th Dec 1926
1920s
Bettys Afternoon Tea
These adverts from the 1920s show that Afternoon Tea is not simply a modern trend . "Good food, good cooking and courteous personal service, are the features for which Bettys have become famous", says one. When you visit we hope you find that little has changed.
Advertisment of the Queen Mary
Bettys Bakery
Staff working in the bakery, c. late 1920s
Bettys Chocolate Box
c.1920s
Another dream accomplished
Bettys Bakery opens, c.1920s
Bradford, 1924
The second Bettys included the 'Mayfair' function rooms
Leeds, 1930
The third Bettys at the corner of Commercial Street and Lands Lane
The new confectionery room
Bettys Bakery
The interior of Bettys Café
Cambridge Crescent. Circa c.1920's
The Queen Mary Connection
Advertisement for the firm of decorators who worked on Bettys York
Frederick and Claire on board the Queen Mary, June 1936
In 1936 Frederick and Claire embarked on the maiden voyage of the transatlantic liner, the RMS Queen Mary to New York. The liner symbolised an exciting new era of travel, where function and speed met glamour and design. No expense was spared on the Queen Mary’s construction, with leading craftsmen and designers commissioned to decorate and furnish the ship.
When he returned home, Frederick purchased premises in York and started to plan for his most ambitious and glamorous branch to date – a flagship café in the spirit of the Queen Mary in the land-locked location of St Helen’s Square.
The interiors were inspired by the elegant Art Deco style of the Queen Mary. Frederick even hired the firm of London designers and craftsmen who had worked on the ship to help create his new branch. Exactly a year after he and Claire had arrived in New York, the new branch opened for business.
Our York Tea Room is still home to many Art Deco features – particularly, the first floor Belmont Room which was originally the main café. These include elaborate brass grilles on the doors and etched glass panels depicting trees and mountains. The room is also home to a marquetry panel depicting geese flying across a lake, a recreation of one that appears in a stateroom on board the Queen Mary.
